Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 8: The streets of Jammu erupted in celebration as the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team was honored for their first-ever Ranji Trophy triumph. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) organized a grand victory march to salute the players’ historic achievement, marking a proud moment for the region.
The march passed through major city landmarks including BC Road, Bakshi Nagar, Pawan Ice Cream, Canal Road, Goal Market, Gandhi Nagar and concluded at the MA Stadium. Team members, along with support staff, rode an open bus, and were garlanded by Member Administration JKCA Brigadier Anil Gupta before the start of the procession.
Jammu and Kashmir secured their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after holding eight-time champions Karnataka to a draw at Hubballi on February 28, gaining a 291-run first-innings lead. The victory marked a historic milestone for the team and the region’s cricketing fraternity.
Earlier, on the sidelines of the felicitation ceremony by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, captain Paras Dogra described the win as the result of a long journey of hard work and collaboration. “The boys always had the talent; they just needed the right direction and unity. When players, the selection committee, and the association came together, we achieved this result,” he said.
Cricketer Aqib Nabi emphasized the significance of consistent effort over the past few years, noting that more practice matches and exposure to varied conditions contributed to the success. Fellow player Kanhaiya Wadhawan highlighted the collective effort of players, administrators and the wider cricket fraternity in achieving the triumph.
Team coach Ajay Sharma credited the positive environment and belief within the squad for the historic victory. “We did not have big star players, but the boys believed in themselves. This win instills confidence and places Jammu and Kashmir cricket firmly on the national map,” he said, adding that it would inspire youngsters in the region and encourage families to support aspiring cricketers.
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